UR Law Professor Julie McConnell Named Woman of Achievement

December 5, 2018

University of Richmond law professor Julie McConnell has been named the 2018 Woman of Achievement by the Metropolitan Richmond Women’s Bar Association (MRWBA).

McConnell is director of the School of Law’s Children’s Defense Clinic and specializes in the areas of juvenile delinquency, the prevention of child and sexual abuse, trauma-informed advocacy, and zealous representation of youth.

“I am humbled to be recognized by my peers for this award, as so many of the extraordinary women who have previously received this recognition are my legal sheroes,” said McConnell. “This organization was one of the first places I turned for mentorship, and its core mission has helped so many young women find their path.”

Among her accomplishments, McConnell helped publish the MRWBA’s Virginia Domestic Relations Pamphlet, a comprehensive legal guide to the Domestic Relations court process that is provided free of charge in both English and Spanish to domestic violence shelters, advocacy agencies, law enforcement agencies, and courts across Virginia.

“In Virginia, poor women and families have no right to counsel in domestic relations matters,” McConnell explained. “Without this guide, which my students assisted in creating, many litigants would be fighting for their rights with little guidance.”

“I’m so proud, but not surprised, to see Julie recognized in such a significant way for her contributions to the profession,” said Wendy Perdue, dean of the law school. “She’s made an immense impact on the legal community thanks to her passion for children’s defense and her unwavering dedication to providing Richmond Law students with the strongest learning experience possible.”